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  3. Development Economics

Development Economics (ECON90023)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2024

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Overview

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The subject will cover development economics. The topics covered may include: economic growth theory, including models in which growth is endogenous; measurement of poverty and inequality; tests of the efficiency of labour and credit markets; consumption smoothing; micro-credit schemes; and demographic issues.

This subject studies microeconomic conditions in developing countries. It aims to go beyond a mere description of economic conditions in these parts of the world. The emphasis is on rigorous theoretical economic modelling of phenomena observed in developing countries. Substantial attention will also be paid to the testing of the theories using real world data. Students are thus expected to have some econometric knowledge.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:



  • Evaluate the ways in which developing countries differ from developed countries;
  • Identify how these differences affect the economic environment in which people live and the economic decisions made by households;
  • Analyse the relevance of particular theories to different environments;
  • Evaluate the results of empirical tests of the economic theories;
  • Synthesise the theoretical and empirical literature and describe the current state of knowledge in the field of development economics; and
  • Critically evaluate policy prescriptions in developmental economics.

Generic skills

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Evaluation of ideas, views and evidence;
  • Synthesis of ideas, views and evidence;
  • Strategic thinking;
  • Critical thinking;
  • Application of theory to economic policy and business decision making;
  • Summary and interpretation of information;
  • Statistical reasoning;
  • Problem solving skills;
  • Written communication; and
  • Oral communication.

Last updated: 21 August 2024